Everyone knows it’s important, but how many of us actually do it???? Most of us are so busy these days we rush through a workout and don’t take the time to stretch afterwards. Let me just remind you of a few health benefits:

Reduces your risk of injuries – which can put you out of action for weeks which is more frustrating.
Improves your flexibility which also improves your physical performance when training.
Provides you with more energy during your workout.
Dynamic/active stretching can help increase your rate of calorie burn.
Combats the effects of aging. As you get older you lose flexibility, but proper stretching can help you regain and maintain it.
Relieves stress by relaxing the tense tight muscles associated with stress.
Helps improve your balance and muscle coordination.
Relieves lower back pain, increases range of movement in your pelvis and lumbar spine.
Can also help improve your sleep.Combining stretching with a resistance program will help your body develop and improve. A friend of mine has been finding running painful. Once he decided to invest the time to stretch he found that he has been able to run pain free and is enjoying running again.It honestly just feels great!!!! I train hard during the week with weights and high intense training and absolutely love my early Sat morning Yoga class. It clears my mind mentally and I find a whole hour of stretching, balance and core work makes my body feel amazing and ready for the next week of training. I strongly recommend you take the time after your workout to stretch while your body is warmed up or look into a weekly yoga class. Otherwise you can find one online or dvd.

Most importantly listen to your own body.

Taking time for stretching means taking time for yourself.